On everyone of my camp outs, I always carry a big, heavy cot. I would sleep on a pad, but you can feel the rocks under the the tent. An self-inflating mattress seems pretty good too but in my experience, they deflate. So in my search for a reliable,portable, and lightweight cot, i found this: http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html . It's the perfect cot! BUT,with all good must come evil and that evil is the price tag.I thought I going to have to break open the piggy back (again) for this :( I didn't want to break the piggy bank (again) but i REALLY want that cot so, I do what i usually do- make it myself! It's quite simple. you see, you lay on the cot and the poles underneath stretch the fabric so you stay aloft! (What a marvelous invention!)

Some notes:
I am around 100 pounds and I am an inch off the ground. if you are over 130 pounds, you may have to buy the actually cot.
This is not for those who toss and turn at night. sorry :(
I wouldn't use on a weeklong campout right after you finish making it. I suggest you try it for nap in your living room then a camp out. If you think its ready, take it wherever you want!

I am not responsible for any injuries that happen due to this cot.

If you trust your crafting skills, then proceed and good luck! :)

Step 1: Materials

Material needed:

Fabric that doesn't stretch and is strong. i used tarp cause it was around :P you can use rip-stop fabric or the bottom of old tents for those who recycle.

8 to 10 3/8 inch diameter tent poles. mine are 25 5/8 inch long.

2 feet of 4 inch pvc

2 seven feet collapsable tent poles. its going to be longer than bed. that is fine.

3 feet of flat, thin wooden molding. mine is 1/4 inch thick. i suggest the same if home-depot has it

Tools:
drill
dremel
knife
saw
sewing machine
gorilla glue

I got my 3/8 inch diameter tent poles from 2 repair kits. they come in a pack of 4 and you have to cut them in half yourself. usually the stretch cord is provided.

Step 2: Choose the Amount of Legs

First decide if you want 6 legs or 5 legs. *I have 5 legs and I am an inch of the ground and i am 100 lbs.* The cot is lighter with 5 legs. The cot is stronger with 6 legs.

If you choose 6 legs, get 10 3/8 inch diameter tent poles

If you choose 5 legs, get 8 3/8 inch diameter tent poles

Step 3: Cutting the Tarp

Take the tarp and cut it so it's a 25 inch by 78 inch rectangle. along the long side, fold-in 1 3/4 inches and sew it together. I used pins to hold the flap together so its much easier to sew. do the same to the other side. Sew the flaps so you have room to put the poles through. (see picture 2)

More instructions in photos.

Step 4: Making the Legs

If you choose 5 legs make 10 of these

If you choose 6 legs make 12 of these

Take the 4 inch diameter pvc tube and cut 1 1/4 inch of it off. take that 1 1/4 inch section and follow the pictures below.

the leg with 2 holes is for the twisted pole*. The leg with one hole is for the head end sections where you are not as heavy.

go to the last picture for twisted pole.

Step 5: Putting It Together

I dont have a camera that allows me to record. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTGQugYmJBA watch that and follow the instructions.

Hope you have fun with this cot.

any questions, stories, and ideas can go in the comments.